Colossal pharaoh statues unveiled in Egypt

Colossal pharaoh statues unveiled in Egypt
By admin


Archaeologists have unveiled two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Egypt's famed temple city of Luxor, adding to an existing pair of world-renowned tourist attractions.

The two monoliths in red quartzite were raised at what European and Egyptian archaeologists said were their original sites in the funerary temple of the king, on the west bank of the Nile.

The temple is already famous for its existing 3400-year-old Memnon colossi – twin statues of Amenhotep III whose reign archaeologists say marked the political and cultural zenith of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

"The world until now knew two Memnon colossi, but from today it will know four colossi of Amenhotep III," said German-Armenian archaeologist Hourig Sourouzian, who heads the project to conserve the Amenhotep III temple.

The existing two statues, both showing the pharaoh seated, are known across the globe.

The two restored additions have weathered severe damage for centuries, Sourouzian said.

"The statues had lain in pieces for centuries in the fields, damaged by destructive forces of nature like earthquake, and later by irrigation water, salt, encroachment and vandalism," she said on Sunday, as behind her excavators and local villagers washed pieces of artefacts and statues unearthed over the past months.

"This beautiful temple still has enough for us to study and conserve."

One of the "new" statues – its body weighing 250 tonnes – again depicts the pharaoh seated, hands resting on his knees.

It is 11.5 metres tall, with a base 1.5 metres high and 3.6 metres wide.

Archaeologists said with its now missing double crown, the original statue would have reached a height of 13.5 metres and weighed 450 tonnes.

The king is depicted wearing a royal pleated kilt held at the waist by a large belt decorated with zigzag lines.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

egypt luxor

Latest News

  • Aviation

Gold Coast Airport marks major milestone in domestic expansion

Gold Coast Airport undergoes a $17 million refurbishment of its old international area to expand domestic capabilities following the shift of international services to a new terminal. The airport’s new domestic lounge has just opened, marking a milestone in the terminal’s ongoing transformation. With various refurbishments coming in the following weeks, including new flooring, improved […]

  • Exhibitions

Tahiti Tourisme gets behind Gauguin’s World exhibit at National Gallery, Canberra

Tahiti Tourisme is supporting the Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao exhibition which was launched at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra yesterday, 27 June, attended by the Vice President of Tahiti, Eliane Tevahitua, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attending the festivities. The exhibition, open to the public from tomorrow, 29 June to 7 […]

  • Cruise

All you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal

Here is everything you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal, one of two dedicated cruise passenger terminals in Sydney Harbour. Entering the cruise terminal The terminal is located at James Craig Rd, Rozelle, with easy road access via The Crescent / James Craig Road. Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to enter the terminal […]

  • Cruise
  • Destinations

Explora Journeys launches Destination Experiences led by adventurer Mike Horn

Explora Journeys, MSC’s luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand, has announced Destination Experiences led by renowned explorer and brand ambassador Mike Horn. From 10-20 November 2024, guests on board EXPLORA I will have the opportunity to join Horn on two extraordinary adventures, showcasing the wild beauty of Spain’s Lanzarote and La Palma islands. During a lifetime […]

  • Cruise

Crystal announces exclusive collaboration with Casino de Monte-Carlo

Crystal has enhanced its voyages with a collaboration with a leader in the world of entertainment and gaming to bring the first and only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the brand that promises guests an elevated level of entertainment and gaming experience. It debuts onboard Crystal Symphony during […]